A stunning performance at the Eiffel Tower Theater brought Morocco’s Andalusian music to life.
Fez – The Association of Moroccan Andalusian Music Ambassadors in France captivated audiences at the Eiffel Tower Theater in Paris on Thursday evening, marking the launch of their first concert of the season under the theme “Timeless Poems.”
In a mesmerizing performance that blended echoes of Al-Andalus with the enchanting melodies of “nuba,” the young Paris-based talents transported attendees into the heart of Morocco’s rich musical heritage.
Their repertoire, a tribute to a golden era where art, knowledge, and spirituality intertwined, resonated deeply with the audience.
From the “Raml al-Maya” “nuba,” a piece honoring the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to the popular Tetouan school’s repertoire pioneered by the late Abdessadeq Chekara, and the mystical verses of Sufi luminaries such as “Al-Fiashyia,” the 50-member ensemble delivered a soul-stirring performance.
Their dedication to reviving and preserving these centuries-old melodies shows Morocco’s commitment to passing down this cultural treasure through generations.
Samir Majdoub, president of the association, highlighted the significance of this event in an interview with Maghreb Arab Press.
“After performing at UNESCO and the Arab World Institute, we are honored to present this Ramadan concert at the Eiffel Tower Theater, offering a fusion of Andalusian musical masterpieces and Sufi chants.”
Founded in 2020 by a group of students, young professionals, and passionate musicians, the association is committed to safeguarding and promoting Morocco’s Andalusian musical heritage. “This tradition still echoes from Córdoba to Fez, from Granada to Tetouan, and from Seville to Rabat,” Majdoub noted, stressing out the cultural depth and historical significance of the art form.
He described Moroccan Andalusian music as “a cornerstone of our identity, one that we must preserve and share with the world.”
The ensemble’s members hail from diverse Moroccan cities, including Tangier, Marrakech, Oujda, and Laayoune. “This mosaic of talent and backgrounds transforms the ambassadors into a true musical caravan, bridging generations and cultures,” he added.
Sharfa Bousta, a young ambassador of Andalusian music, reflected on the group’s journey. “What began as a shared passion among friends has evolved into an institution that delivers high-caliber performances to enthusiastic audiences.”
Beyond performances, the association runs year-round workshops in music and vocal training, hosts cultural exchanges, and organizes masterclasses with renowned Moroccan Tarab al-Âla maestros.
Through these initiatives, they continue to cultivate a new generation of artists dedicated to preserving and revitalizing this invaluable cultural legacy.